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Creamy One-Pot Mushroom Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot mushroom chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy one-pot mushroom chicken pasta that delivers cozy comfort with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a silky sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced (button mushrooms work too)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 8 oz (225g) uncooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells)
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Slice mushrooms. Mince garlic and finely chop onion. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces in a single layer for 4-5 minutes until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add more oil or butter if needed. Cook onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, sauté until mushrooms soften and release juices, about 6-7 minutes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add uncooked pasta and press gently to submerge in liquid.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Add water or broth if liquid evaporates too quickly.
  6. Return chicken to the pan. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until creamy and combined.
  7. Remove from heat. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when browning chicken for better caramelization. Use a lid while simmering pasta to trap steam and cook evenly. Stir frequently but gently to prevent sticking and sauce breaking. Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid lumps. Adjust liquid amounts based on pasta shape. Season gradually to avoid over-salting.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, creamy, mushroom, chicken, pasta, easy dinner, cozy meal, weeknight recipe